Chapter 465: Crown Prince, Long Time No See
If it merely involved eligibility for the imperial throne, it wouldn't have stirred such turmoil. After all, even those secretly coveting the throne wouldn't dare reveal their ambitions at this juncture. To avoid marrying the Tibetan princess by causing an embarrassing scene would be as obvious as Sima Zhao's intentions—known to all.
The greatest hidden danger lay in future rejection by the new emperor. Having a Tibetan princess as one's principal wife—unlike Li Yanyan, who was a princess of a fallen kingdom—meant that as long as Tibet existed, this connection could be exploited. With minimal manipulation, one could be accused of colluding with the enemy and committing treason.
Moreover, the Tibetan princess was born and raised in Tibet, with language and customs entirely different, making marital harmony difficult. Thus, the happiest at this moment was undoubtedly Zhao Wang, Xiao Changmin. He not only gained a noble principal wife but also avoided the potential distress of marrying the Tibetan princess.
The Tibetan princess could only become a consort to His Majesty, not to any prince.
"Is His Majesty returning to the palace soon?" The dispatch of a Tibetan princess for marriage alliance was a matter of national significance.
"He will depart after the Mid-Autumn Festival," Xiao Huayong nodded, somewhat regretful. He preferred the leisurely life at the temporary palace where he could be with Shen Xihe day and night.
But remembering it was already August, and in just six months they would wed, his heart felt somewhat comforted.
Within a couple of days, news of the Tibetan princess's marriage alliance spread, capturing the court's full attention. The intricate relationships involved had long entangled ministers who had aligned with certain princes, each now brimming with schemes.
Shen Xihe observed that this matter quickly overshadowed the chaos previously stirred by Xiao Juesong, causing court officials to gradually forget the rumors about whether the Crown Prince was the emperor's biological son.
This was likely one reason the emperor consented to the marriage.
Unlike last year when envoys arrived with news of a marriage alliance, prompting families to hastily arrange marriages to avoid their daughters being designated princesses for distant unions, this time the womenfolk sat back awaiting the spectacle. Life at the temporary palace returned to its initial cheer and laughter.
As the days grew cooler, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived in the blink of an eye. Last year, Shen Yungan had accompanied her, but this year, celebrating with the emperor and empress dowager at the temporary palace, Youning Emperor led the princes and nobles on a hunt, bagging plentiful game. The festival felt more relaxed with fewer formalities compared to previous years in the palace.
Even at the temporary palace, fireworks could be seen rising distantly into the night sky as the people celebrated joyously.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the emperor led the procession back to the palace over three days. Shen Xihe continued her reclusive life, only emerging on the last day of the month for the empress dowager's birthday celebration. Unlike last year's milestone birthday, it was not grandly celebrated, with only a few imperial relatives and distinguished ministers invited, making it relatively subdued.
Youning Emperor was not extravagant, whether in personal matters or palace affairs. Unless it was a milestone birthday, celebrations were kept modest.
By October, deep autumn had dyed the maple leaves in the Eastern Palace crimson. Shen Xihe recalled her first meeting with Xiao Huayong last year, when he too had waited for her beneath these two red maples, eagerly anticipating her arrival. Back then, he was disguised, but now his demeanor was genuine and fervent.
"You look exceptionally beautiful in this maple-leaf-colored ruqun today, Youyou," Xiao Huayong whispered in admiration once they entered the palace.
Shen Xihe paused mid-step, turning to him with surprised delight in her eyes. "Your Highness, you..."
"Thanks to you, Youyou, I can see the sky again," Xiao Huayong replied, his eyes smiling warmly.He was healed. He could clearly see all colors, which even left Linghu Zheng incredulous. Upon hearing of his recovery, Linghu Zheng had immediately set out to come and insisted on meeting Sui Axi. Moreover, Shen Xihe had gathered many Jade Flowers this year. Though it was now deep autumn, bordering on harsh winter, his lungs no longer suffered from the usual itchiness and burning pain, with only occasional slight coughing.
For the first time, he experienced how delightful a winter could be without illness or pain.
"Your Highness, what color is this?" Shen Xihe, somewhat skeptical, lifted the Jade Pendant at her waist.
To match her attire, it was a yellow jade.
"Apricot yellow," Xiao Huayong replied with a gentle smile.
Only then did Shen Xihe beam with joy: "Congratulations, Your Highness."
"I called you here today to try on the wedding attire," Xiao Huayong's eyes also shimmered with happiness.
The Imperial Wardrobe Bureau had spent months hurriedly crafting Shen Xihe's wedding dress and crown. Originally intended to be delivered to the Princess Manor, Xiao Huayong intercepted them and invited Shen Xihe to the Eastern Palace for the fitting. The Wardrobe Bureau was more than willing, as the garments were extremely luxurious—any damage during transport outside the palace would bring punishment upon the entire bureau. Having Shen Xihe try them on within the palace was ideal.
It was already October. After one more season, in March of the coming year, when the weather warmed and flowers bloomed, they would be married.
Shen Xihe suddenly felt how quickly time had passed. Though she detected Xiao Huayong's ulterior motive, since this was a formal matter, she did not hesitate but tried them on generously.
When she saw the crown, she was stunned. It was a crown inlaid with pearls, entirely covered in Northern Pearls of varying sizes, round and lustrous, with a faint golden glow. Weren't these pearls said to be exceedingly rare?
"Your Highness, why go to such expense?" This crown was likely one of a kind, and Shen Xihe assumed Xiao Huayong had privately spent a fortune to have it made.
"It was no expense. They were all pearls dug up by Haidongqing," Xiao Huayong said nonchalantly.
Tianyuan, standing behind him, twitched the corner of his mouth, thinking it sounded as if Haidongqing had willingly dug them up itself.
Remembering she still had one pearl gifted by Xiao Huayong, reportedly also brought back by Haidongqing, Shen Xihe didn't dwell on it further. She loved it dearly. After putting on the elaborate and intricate wedding dress, casually styling her hair, and donning the crown, she exuded an innate grace and nobility.
Xiao Huayong examined her carefully, not missing a single detail. Only after confirming everything was perfect did he order rewards for the Wardrobe Bureau.
The next day, the Tubo princess arrived in the capital. That evening, the Emperor held a banquet in the Qingliang Palace to welcome the princess and her envoys from afar. Shen Xihe also attended.
The princess was exceptionally beautiful, her features possessing a touch more vigor than those of the women from the Heavenly Dynasty. Tall and slender, with a swan-like neck and willow-leaf eyebrows, her eyes sparkled with infinite charm at every glance. With red lips, pearly teeth, rosy cheeks, and a smiling mouth, she was utterly captivating.
Surprisingly, she also spoke fluent Han language. She toasted the Emperor with a cup of wine, then turned to toast Xiao Huayong: "Crown Prince, it has been a while."
Her words silenced the hall, drawing curious glances from all. Even the Youning Emperor couldn't resist asking, "Princess Yaoxi, when did you meet Qilang?"Shen Xihe was not far from Xiao Huayong. She clearly saw Princess Yaoxi's clever gaze sweep over Xiao Huayong before the princess reported to the Youning Emperor: "Your Majesty, three years ago, Yaoxi accompanied my royal brother to the Celestial Dynasty. In Luoyang, I encountered the Crown Prince and had a brief meeting with His Highness. I was nearly deceived by someone, but with the Crown Prince's assistance, I managed to escape danger. I never knew the one who helped me was His Highness. Seeing him today, I couldn't help but express my gratitude."
Intuition told Shen Xihe that Princess Yaoxi's words were half-truths and half-falsehoods.
This week has seen the fewest updates since the story began. Starting next week, things will be slightly less busy, and I'll do my best to maintain daily updates of six thousand words. Bringing this character out to stir things up for the princess—the princess only exists to advance the relationship development, hahaha, no need to panic.
(End of Chapter)
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